MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
************************************
Dear MMS,

**** THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER ****
Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.

A BIG Congratulations for our staff and kids is in order!!!
 
On Monday, April 23, 2018 the South Orange Maplewood School District Board of Education will formally recognize Maplewood Middle School for exiting the status as a "Target" (formerly "Focus List") with the New Jersey Department of Education. MMS received a letter of recognition from the Acting CommissionerDr. Lamont Repollet for work closing achievement gaps between sub-groups of students. This is a collective effort with support from MMS families, the school district, and most of all MMS teachers. Also to be recognized at Monday’s BOE meeting is MMS student, Ben Schwartz. It is a great honor to be recognized at the board meeting. Please consider attending and showing your support!
 
PARCC begins this week for 6th graders.
 
It is allergy time and that means tissues and hand sanitizer are in high demand. Please consider sending your student in with a box or package of hand sanitizer wipes! The teachers would certainly appreciate it.
Additionally, the teacher luncheon on May 10 needs immediate help, click here if you want to contribute.  
  
DATES TO REMEMBER
4/23           Board of Ed Meeting 7:30 PM
4/24           SPED - PTO IEP Workshop
4/28           Achieve Maker Madness
4/30           Math Registration
 
6th GRADE PARENTS
4/23-4/26  PARCC TESTING
 
7th GRADE PARENTS
4/30-5/3   PARCC TESTING
 
8th GRADE PARENTS
5/8- 5/11    PARCC TESTING
5/22- 5/23  NJSLA TESTING
6/13           Trip to Frog Bridge
6/19           8th grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
6/21           Moving Up Ceremony at MMS (AM ceremony)
 
MATH REGISTRATION
Reminder, the final date to select a math course is April 30, 2018. Click here 
 
MAKER MADNESS
Achieve’s 4th Annual Maker Madness is Saturday, April 28th at CHS. Maker Madness is a free, hands-on event for students and their families offering activity stations such as animation, 3-D printing, electronics demolition, kinetic sculpture, catapults, coding, Popsicle stick bridges, pop-up books, origami, sewing and more! Over 1,400 students and adults participate every year. Adult and teen volunteers are needed and will receive t-shirts and free refreshments!  Please click here for more information and to sign up to help!

MMS GARDEN
Do you have a Green Thumb? Have you ever noticed how beautiful the Maplewood Garden is? We could use your help this spring. MMS 6th grade teacher Debra SIlva received a $1300 Achieve Grant to continue to help grow our garden along with a separate grant for a program called “Maplewood Rocks” (painted rocks with words of kindness). She is looking for volunteers to help with either or both projects which will take place late April, early May. If interested, please email Deb Holt at debcatholt@gmail.com.
 
SPRING YOUTHNET 
Spring YouthNet has begun! Some classes may have started last week. There may still be openings if you forgot to sign up.
If you have any questions, contact Diane Malloy at: youthnetplus@gmail.com  or Colleen Miller at: cmiller@somsd.k12.nj.us.

BOE STUDENT RECOGNITION 
We know there are more students to recognize, don’t be shy! Each month the Board of Education recognizes students at board meetings. If you know a student who deserves recognition - in or out of school -  please contact Principal Gronau.

SCHOOL STORE
Our school store is always on the lookout for donations!  If you’re making a Costco run, please consider picking up some extra items and donating them.  The School Store is run by our wonderful Student Council and uses Cougar Cash for purchases. You can even help without leaving home! Click to order from the school store Amazon wish list!

MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD HOCKEY CLINIC
See attached flyer on a spring field hockey clinic for middle schoolers! Coming soon in June! Click here for details.

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VOLUNTEER & HELP NEEDED!!
 
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - MAY 7-11
We are putting the finishing touches on the schedule for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Thanks to all of the parents who stepped up to make this a great week for our teachers!  If you can’t get to the school but would like to donate an item or some $$, please contact Deb Holt DebCatHolt@gmail.com or Sara Knutsen at: szknutsen@gmail.com.
 
The schedule of events:
Monday - Massage Monday
Tuesday - “We are Lucky to Have You!”
Wednesday - “Salty & Sweet”
Thursday - Staff Luncheon - Click here to help
Friday - “Flower Friday”

MMS LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center needs parent volunteers to shelve books, organize sections, check in/out books and help students throughout the day. This is a great opportunity to be at MMS beyond Back to School and School in Action Nights! Volunteer for as much or as little as you would like. Check out the Media Center Class Schedule and signup directly on the Google Sheet Click here! Feel free to contact Tracey Clarke (HSA Special Projects) with any questions: tlclarke226@gmail.com
Check here for more information on what is happening in the MLC.
 

Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com

​MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
************************************

​Dear MMS,

**** THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER ****
Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.

Welcome back MMS! We hope everyone enjoyed some days away from school and look forward to seeing everyone. We had hoped for warmer weather when the doors open tomorrow but looks like we will need to wait a little longer. At least we have a full week of school!
 
Please take note that Middle School Math night is this week. Letters from the district should have been received in the mail last week. You can attend either night. See below for more details.
 
Do you know a kid who deserves some special praise?!?!  If so, PLEASE let us know!  Each month the Board of Education recognizes students at board meetings. If you know a student who deserves recognition - in or out of school -  please contact Principal Gronau. The BOE meeting is next week, we would love to see some MMS Students mentioned.
 
Also, we appreciate all who have stepped forward to help with the many volunteer opportunities at MMS. There are many ways to get involved, big and small, during and off school hours. If you are interested but have more questions feel free to reach out. The teacher luncheon needs immediate help, click here if you want to contribute.
 
DATES TO REMEMBER
4/18          Deadline for Women’s History Month Submissions
4/23           Board of Ed Meeting 7:30 PM
4/24           SPED - PTO IEP Workshop
4/28           Achieve Maker Madness
 
6th and 7th GRADE PARENTS
4/18           Middle School Math Night @ MMS  7:30 PM
4/19           Middle School Math Night @ SOMS  7:30 PM
 
8th GRADE PARENTS
6/13          Trip to Frog Bridge
6/19          8th grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
6/21          Moving Up Ceremony at MMS (AM ceremony)
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH NIGHT
The district encourages students and parents/guardians to review the letter mailed home to inform your decision-making as you select a math course for the 2018-2019 school year. There are two information nights this week, 4/18 @ MMS at 7:30PM and 4/19 @ SOMS at 7:30PM. If you do not have access to a computer or internet, you can contact your child’s guidance counselor or math teacher with your course selection. The final date to select a math course is April 30, 2018.
 
For more information click the flyer here and the registration form is available here.

MMS GARDEN
Do you have a Green Thumb? Have you ever noticed how beautiful the Maplewood Garden is? We could use your help this spring. MMS 6th grade teacher Debra SIlva received a $1300 Achieve Grant to continue to help grow our garden along with a separate grant for a program called “Maplewood Rocks” (painted rocks with words of kindness). She is looking for volunteers to help with either or both projects which will take place late April, early May. If interested, please email Deb Holt at debcatholt@gmail.com.
 
SPRING YOUTHNET 
Spring YouthNet has begun! Some classes may have started last week. There may still be openings if you forgot to sign up.
If you have any questions, contact Diane Malloy at: youthnetplus@gmail.com  or Colleen Miller at: cmiller@somsd.k12.nj.us.
 
PARENT BOOK CLUB
“Are We Raising Spoiled Kids?”  On April 19 the Maplewood Library will be leading a discussion for Financial Capabilities Month with Nancy Wheeler of Financy. It's a Parent Book Club where everyone will be asked to read a chapter from Ron Lieber's The Opposite of Spoiled entitled "Are We Raising Materialistic Kids?". The chapter is copied and available at the circulation desks of both the Main Library and the Hilton Branch Library. Please see this flyer for more information.
  
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST
It’s not too late to encourage your student to apply for the MMS Women’s History Month Essay contest. Click here for more details. There are some great Gift card prizes!! Deadline 4/18.
 
CONVERSATION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The South Orange and Maplewood Municipal Alliances are sponsoring this FREE conversation at the Woodland on  April 18 and 25. It is especially current given our Governor’s new initiatives  on substance abuse! Click Here for more info.

SCHOOL STORE
Our school store is always on the lookout for donations!  If you’re making a Costco run, please consider picking up some extra items and donating them.  The School Store is run by our wonderful Student Council and uses Cougar Cash for purchases. You can even help without leaving home! Click to order from the school store Amazon wish list!
 
************************************
 
VOLUNTEER & HELP NEEDED!!
 
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - MAY 7-11
We are putting the finishing touches on the schedule for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Thanks to all of the parents who stepped up to make this a great week for our teachers!  If you can’t get to the school but would like to donate an item or some $$, please contact Deb Holt DebCatHolt@gmail.com or Sara Knutsen at: szknutsen@gmail.com.
 
The schedule of events:
Monday - Massage Monday
Tuesday - “We are Lucky to Have You!”
Wednesday - “Salty & Sweet”
Thursday - Staff Luncheon - Click here to help 
Friday - “Flower Friday”

*** WANT TO JOIN THE MMS HSA EXECUTIVE BOARD?!? IT’S FUN!!! ***
We are in the process of putting together the slate for next year’s HSA Executive Board and would love to have YOU join!  If you are interested in being on the board or serving on the Committee, please e-mail Deb Holt or Sara Knutsen. 
 
MMS LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center needs parent volunteers to shelve books, organize sections, check in/out books and help students throughout the day. This is a great opportunity to be at MMS beyond Back to School and School in Action Nights! Volunteer for as much or as little as you would like. Check out the Media Center Class Schedule and signup directly on the Google Sheet Click here! Feel free to contact Tracey Clarke (HSA Special Projects) with any questions: tlclarke226@gmail.com
Check here for more information on what is happening in the MLC.
 
FUNDRAISING
Go No Frills OR Host an MMS Money Maker! You choose how you want to raise the money and how it will be spent!  Please reach out to Fundraising Co Chairs Mel Rose melrosenj@gmail.com or Gabrielle Graziano at gabriellept@aol.com.  They can also help you come up with great Fundraising ideas.
 
TAKE A LOOK!
To see what’s happening in our community, please click here!


Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com

***********************************
Dear MMS,

We hope you had a lovely weekend!  A reminder that Monday, April 2, is a 4-hour day.  Students will be dismissed at 12:30 PM.
 
Last week MMS hosted the incoming 5th graders and their parents at the “Getting Ready for Middle School” night.  It was a great evening showcasing our amazing staff and incredibly poised 6th grade representatives.  It seemed that all who attended left happy and impressed!!  Thank you to everyone who made it such a success!! See the recap HERE
 
Finally, your HSA has been busy planning for next year!  We are almost finished putting together the Slate for next year’s Board but we are still looking for volunteers for the following positions: Fundraising, 7th grade coordinator, and Communications.  If you may be interested in any of these opportunities, please contact either Sara at szknutsen@gmail.com or Deb at debcatholt@gmail.com  Thank you!!
 
Dates to Remember
4/2             1/2 Day School, children are dismissed at 12:30
4/12-4/13   Closed for Spring Break*
              ** Note, MMS will have school 4/9, 4/10, 4/11 **
4/23           Board of Ed Meeting 7:30 PM
4/24           SPED - PTO IEP Workshop
4/28           Achieve Maker Madness
 
GRADE UPDATE
 
6TH GRADE PARENTS
Be on the lookout for Field Trip permission slips.
 
7th GRADE PARENTS
The 7th graders are still selling bracelets! Send in your student with $1 to support the funding drive. The 7th Grade Coordinators also need volunteers to help with the 8th Grade Dance and Graduation, a sign up genius will be coming!
 
8th GRADE PARENTS
  Save the dates!!!!
6/13 - Trip to Frog Bridge
6/19 - 8th grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
6/21 - Moving Up Ceremony at MMS (AM ceremony)
 
MMS GARDEN
Do you have a Green Thumb? Have you ever noticed how beautiful the Maplewood Garden is? We could use your help this spring. MMS 6th grade teacher Debra SIlva received a $1300 Achieve Grant to continue to help grow our garden along with a separate grant for a program called “Maplewood Rocks” (painted rocks with words of kindness). She is looking for volunteers to help with either or both projects which will take place late April, early May. If interested, please email Deb Holt at debcatholt@gmail.com.
 
SPRING YOUTHNET 
Spring YouthNet sign-ups are now! Looking for some fun, active and engaging clubs for your student this spring? See the attached forms for available YouthNet clubs and the sign-up form.  There is something for everyone!  Clubs begin April 9 so make sure you sign up soon!
 
If you have any questions, contact Diane Malloy at: youthnetplus@gmail.com  or Colleen Miller at: cmiller@somsd.k12.nj.us.
 
PARENT BOOK CLUB
“Are We Raising Spoiled Kids?”  On April 19 the Maplewood Library will be leading a discussion for Financial Capabilities Month with Nancy Wheeler of Financy. It's a Parent Book Club where everyone will be asked to read a chapter from Ron Lieber's The Opposite of Spoiled entitled "Are We Raising Materialistic Kids?". The chapter is copied and available at the circulation desks of both the Main Library and the Hilton Branch Library. Please see this flyer for more information.
 
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST
It’s not too late to encourage your student to apply for the MMS Women’s History Month Essay contest. Click here for more details. There are some great Gift card prizes!! Deadline 4/18.
 
STUDENT RECOGNITION 
Each month the Board of Education recognizes students at board meetings. If you know a student who deserves recognition - in or out of school -  please contact Principal Gronau.
 
SCHOOL STORE
Our school store is always on the lookout for donations!  If you’re making a Costco run, please consider picking up some extra items and donating them.  The School Store is run by our wonderful Student Council and uses Cougar Cash for purchases. You can even help without leaving home! Click to order from the school store Amazon wish list!
 
************************************
 
VOLUNTEER & HELP NEEDED!!
 
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - MAY 7-11
We are putting the finishing touches on the schedule for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Thanks to all of the parents who stepped up to make this a great week for our teachers!  If you can’t get to the school but would like to donate an item or some $$, please contact Deb Holt DebCatHolt@gmail.com or Sara Knutsen at: szknutsen@gmail.com.
 
The schedule of events:
Monday - Massage Monday
Tuesday - “We are Lucky to Have You!”
Wednesday - “Salty & Sweet”
Thursday - Staff Luncheon - be on the lookout for a sign-up Genius!
Friday - “Flower Friday”

*** WANT TO JOIN THE MMS HSA EXECUTIVE BOARD?!? IT’S FUN!!! ***
We are in the process of putting together the slate for next year’s HSA Executive Board and would love to have YOU join!  If you are interested in being on the board or serving on the Committee, please e-mail Deb Holt or Sara Knutsen. 
 
MMS LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center needs parent volunteers to shelve books, organize sections, check in/out books and help students throughout the day. This is a great opportunity to be at MMS beyond Back to School and School in Action Nights! Volunteer for as much or as little as you would like. Check out the Media Center Class Schedule and signup directly on the Google Sheet Click here! Feel free to contact Tracey Clarke (HSA Special Projects) with any questions: tlclarke226@gmail.com
Check here for more information on what is happening in the MLC.
 
FUNDRAISING
Go No Frills OR Host an MMS Money Maker! You choose how you want to raise the money and how it will be spent!  Please reach out to Fundraising Co Chairs Mel Rose melrosenj@gmail.com or Gabrielle Graziano at gabriellept@aol.com.  They can also help you come up with great Fundraising ideas.
 

Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com